“The big thing with Montae is getting the communication down with Landon and whoever the other safety is,” Gruden said, according to NBC Sports’ Ben Standig. “Communication is critical for those guys and the more work they get and the more situations we can put them in, red zone, third down, first and second down, all that good stuff, the better they are going to be.”

Nicholson didn’t see the time on the field he might of last year because the Redskins ended up trading for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the middle of the season. Injuries didn’t help.

But this summer? Nicholson seems like the favorite, provided he can outperform guys like sophomore Troy Apke.

Given Nicholson’s natural abilities aren’t going anywhere, should he tackle this one outlined goal from Gruden, he shouldn’t have any problems eventually winning the starting gig.